Just 16 people were charged or summonsed for vehicle theft or an alternative offence, which amounts to about 0.5 per cent.

Insp John Mallows.

On 3032 occasions – or just over 95 per cent of cases – an investigation was completed but no suspects were identified.

On 99 occasions police faced 'evidential difficulties', such as the victim not supporting further police action.

Douglas Johnson, a councillor for the city ward – which had the highest number of reported incidents, said: “It’s not surprising city ward has the most car crime because it has the most cars.

“Along with the highest level of traffic incidents, it is another reason to take public transport to work.

“As councillors, we often talk to residents who have been victims of car crime. Typically, we get spates of crime on the outskirts of the city centre, like Kelham Island and Shoreham Street, where lines of cars all have their windows smashed.”

He added: “We do our best to support residents but it’s difficult for police when resources have been cut so much and there are other pressing issues like knife crime and drug dealing.

“Cuts in resources affect back room functions like prosecuting cases to court. This might be one reason why thieves are not prosecuted even if they are caught red-handed. So I know the frustration of residents.

In a statement, Inspector John Mallows, of the Sheffield Central and North West Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We have a limited amount of resources and must prioritise those incidents that pose the most threat, therefore cannot always attend vehicle thefts.

“We are able to identify hot spot locations and use data to identity timings in which offences are most likely to happen.

“From this intelligence we are able to conduct high visibility patrols, increase CCTV monitoring and work with our partner agencies to improve issues such as street lighting, that can deter offenders. We also issue targeted messaging to communities about vehicle crime prevention.”